In high resolution imaging of biologic structure, atomic lorce microscopy (AFM) has been prevailing over scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This is primarily because biologic materials do not conduct electricity, and STM requires that electrons flow to or from the surface of the specimen, whereas electron flow is not required for AFM. Microscopists intent on using STM have compensated by coating specimens with a thin coat of metal. However, the presence of metal atoms on the surface degrades the resolution. A new development may make STM more useful to biologists than ever before.